Cajun Chicken Pasta
This pasta is a flavorful, quick recipe to satisfy almost every diet. Serve the protein and pasta separately for vegetarians or those watching carbs — it accommodates everyone at the station.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 box whole wheat/whole grain penne pasta
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 link low sodium turkey kielbasa
- 1 box (32 oz) chicken broth
- 4 oz Neufchatel cream cheese
- 2 Tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 Tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp each: oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp black pepper, ½ tsp salt
Directions
- Heat oil in a large deep skillet. Add cubed chicken with Cajun seasoning and cook until colored.
- Add diced onions and sliced peppers, cooking until softened.
- Add pasta, fire-roasted tomatoes with juices, and chicken broth. Cover until boiling, then simmer 10 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Cook until pasta is tender and broth thickens. Stir in cream cheese chunks until melted.
- Brown turkey kielbasa separately, slice into half moons, and mix into finished pasta.
- Serve with a bagged or prepared salad.
Nutrition Facts Per serving
1.5 cups (1/6 of recipe): 600 calories, 55g protein, 63g carbs, 11g fat, 9g fiber
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy at least 1–2 cups of salad or another vegetable with this dish. Chicken can be placed in a crockpot for 8 hours and shredded for an easier version.